Federal Government & Administrative Affairs
What is the Presidential Action?
The President of the United States has issued an executive order to stop the federal procurement and mandatory use of paper straws. This decision reverses previous policies that favored paper over plastic straws due to environmental concerns. The order mandates federal agencies to cease buying paper straws and promotes the use of plastic straws, challenging the notion that paper straws are more environmentally friendly.
Background or Context with Statistics and Source References
Previously, many U.S. cities and businesses adopted paper straws as part of a broader movement against single-use plastics, perceived as a measure to combat pollution and protect marine life. However, criticisms of paper straws include their functionality, cost, and the chemicals they contain. The President’s order highlights these issues and reverses a prior executive order (Executive Order 14057) that promoted sustainability in federal operations.
Why This Action Was Taken
The administration argues that the shift to paper straws has not only failed to deliver the intended environmental benefits but has also led to increased costs and practical issues for consumers. The decision is supported by stakeholders in the plastic industry and those critical of previous federal sustainability measures. The order aims to standardize federal practices and reduce what the President describes as “irrational” environmental measures.
Short and Long-Term Impact on People
In the short term, federal agencies will transition back to using plastic straws, potentially reducing operational costs and addressing user complaints about paper straws. Long-term impacts could include a shift in public and corporate policies regarding single-use plastics and sustainability. The order may influence broader environmental policy debates and plastic use regulations nationwide.
Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success
Success of this executive order will be measured by the reduction in procurement costs for straws by federal agencies, satisfaction levels among end-users in federal facilities, and the alignment of federal procurement practices with the new policy. Environmental impact assessments may also be conducted to evaluate the effects of increased plastic straw usage.
Constitutional Validity and Legal Precedents
The President’s authority to issue such orders stems from constitutional powers and laws governing federal procurement. While there may be challenges regarding environmental regulations and sustainability commitments, previous administrations have set precedents for altering or reversing policies through executive orders. Judicial review could focus on compliance with administrative law and procedural requirements. Content: Title: Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws Summary: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Policy. An irrational campaign against plastic straws has resulted in major cities, States, and businesses banning the use or automatic inclusion of plastic straws with beverages. Plastic straws are often replaced by paper straws, which are nonfunctional, use chemicals that may carry risks to human health, are more expensive to produce than plastic straws, and often force users to use multiple straws. Additionally, paper straws sometimes come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.It is therefore the policy of the United States to end the use of paper straws. Sec. 2. Purchases of Paper Straws by the Federal Government. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall take all appropriate action to eliminate the procurement of paper straws and otherwise ensure that paper straws are no longer provided within agency buildings.(b) Agencies shall take appropriate action to eliminate policies designed to disfavor plastic straws issued to further Executive Order 14057 of December 8, 2021 (Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability), which I revoked on January 20, 2025.(c) Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, in coordination with relevant agencies, shall issue a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws. This strategy shall address:(i) The elimination of all policies within the executive branch designed to disfavor plastic straws;(ii) Contract policies and terms with entities, including States, that ban or penalize plastic straw purchase or use; and(iii) All other available tools to achieve the policy of this order nationwide. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. THE WHITE HOUSE, February 10, 2025. URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/ending-procurement-and-forced-use-of-paper-straws/
